We saw some pretty awesome books on each other’s lists. I especially enjoyed the look that communicated: “Hey! That seems like an interesting book!” or, “Huh!? How come you didn’t tell me about that book … I like it!”

I think it’s nice to keep a list of books you want to re-read (or avoid). A person can do a lot of useful things with that information. Such as write books reviews for Amazon or Google Books. Or uncover a sense of accomplishment.

And children—once they have outgrown a book—get to see how their reading skills have progressed.

Keeping a little book archive certainly frees up the brain to remember other, more important things.

Here is a little supplication/prayer/dua that is easy to teach to little ones, especially if they observe you saying it. Have them repeat after you as soon as they are able to mumble words. Then kiss them and tuck them in tight.

For older children who can read, help them to memorize it. Print this dua for sleep printable[pdf]. Attach to a wall near the bed so the children can see it and read it before going to sleep.

Bismikal-lahumma amutu wa ahya
‘In Your name O Allaah, I live and die (expire and return to life).’

We have so much fun making (and using) our hand made household cleaning supplies. You’ll want these recipes for your own home. Print the furniture cleaners recipes [pdf] and place in your kitchen notebook under the appropriate category.

Homemade Furniture Cleaning Products

Polishing Cloth for Furniture
Use a piece of flannel or an old tee-shirt.

In my organizer, I currently have a cookbook section of all my fav recipes, kitchen checklists such as kitchen cookware, measurement and conversion charts, substitutions. This was all originally in my main household organizer, but it got too bulky so I broke it out into a kitchen organizer.

TV - Yes or No? [PDF] The Permanent Committee of Scholars have stated (in a fatwa) that the television is an instrument that in and of itself has no ruling regarding it; rather, the ruling applies to its use -- Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (rahimahullaah)